Potted Willow OakQuercus phellos

Often referred to as a “handsome tree,” this member of the mighty oak family comes with a stand-out feature: willow-like leaves. The spear-shaped foliage appears in the spring with a light/bright green color, becomes dark green in the summer, and turns shades of yellow bronze-orange, yellow-brown and russet-red in the fall.

The willow oak is frequently planted along streets and in parks and golf courses because of its size, striking appearance, and relatively fast growth.

Soil Preference

Attributes

Provides great color, with leaves starting out bright green in the spring, shifting to a deeper summertime green, and then turning to fall shades of yellow bronze-orange, yellow-brown and russet-red.

Features spear-shaped leaves that are 2–5" long , each with a tiny bristle at the tip.

Yields acorns that are round and up to ½" long with a thin saucer-like cap.

Grows in a pyramidal shape in its youth then an oblong-oval to rounded shape at maturity.

Tolerates poorly drained soil.

Transplants more easily than most oaks.

Wildlife Value

Willow oak acorns are a top food preference for whitetail deer, squirrels, wild turkeys, quail and some songbirds. Wood ducks and mallards also eat the acorns when stands of these trees are flooded.

History/Lore

The first scientific observation regarding this tree was made in 1723. The wood has been used since pioneering days for newel posts, pulpits, pews, bar tops, wagon axles, stairs, railing, balustrades, bedsteads and flour barrels.

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